Latest news with #WoodBrothersRacing
Newsweek
3 days ago
- Automotive
- Newsweek
Harrison Burton Opens Up On WBR Relationship After NASCAR Cup Series Exit
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. NASCAR driver Harrison Burton has spoken about his relationship with Wood Brothers Racing following his exit from the team at the end of the 2024 season, insisting that he still has a strong connection with the team. The team announced in July 2024 that the 24-year-old driver would be replaced by Josh Berry in 2025, despite later clinching his first career Cup Series win at the Daytona summer race. As a result, Burton now competes full-time in the Xfinity Series with AM Racing, driving the No. 25 Ford Mustang Dark Horse. Speaking about his relationship with Wood Brothers Racing following his exit, Burton explained on SpeedFreaks: "That's something that I think is one of my biggest strengths. Harrison Burton, driver of the #25 Dead On Tools/DEX Imaging Ford, looks on during qualifying for the NASCAR Xfinity Series BetMGM 300 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 24, 2025 in Concord, North Carolina. Harrison Burton, driver of the #25 Dead On Tools/DEX Imaging Ford, looks on during qualifying for the NASCAR Xfinity Series BetMGM 300 at Charlotte Motor Speedway on May 24, 2025 in Concord, North Carolina."I was so lucky to have a great relationship with everyone at the Wood Brothers that there was no bad feeling. They truly care about me. "I mean they still send me stuff — it's their 75th season — or Leonard Wood built me [a radio-controlled] car, as well. I just have a great relationship with that group, so it made it a way less bitter taste in my mouth." Effectively stepping down from the Cup to the Xfinity Series, Burton is using the opportunity to come back to the top series stronger. He added: "It was really to me about self-reflection and what I can do to be better, and I feel I'm doing those things to be better and it's starting to show in the AM Racing team. "We're turning that program around which I'm super excited about. We've got the right people over there. Obviously, for me, it's all been about moving forward and what's next. "That's been the biggest weapon of mine and I've raced the best drivers in the world for the past three years, so I've learned a lot and I feel I can take that with me to the future and hopefully when I get back to the Cup Series, I'll be ready to go again and understand and fire off with some pace."
Reuters
17-05-2025
- Automotive
- Reuters
For Josh Berry, competitive performance is antidote to frustration
May 17 - After his victory at Las Vegas Motor Speedway in the fifth NASCAR Cup Series race of the season, Josh Berry's luck went from bad to worse. On March 30 at Martinsville Speedway, Berry led 40 laps before electrical problems in his No. 21 Wood Brothers Racing Ford -- necessitating a battery change -- dropped him to 32nd at the finish. A week later, a crash on Lap 195 ended a promising run at Darlington Raceway. After a 12th-place finish at Bristol, Berry drew a speeding penalty at Talladega that dropped him to a 26th-place result. He led 41 laps with an extremely fast car on May 4 at Texas Motor Speedway, before the bumps in the final corner upset his car and shot the No. 21 Mustang into the outside wall. After he scraped the wall during qualifying last Sunday at Kansas Speedway, Berry's fortunes began to improve. He drove from his 38th starting position to finish sixth, despite a pit road speeding penalty that sent him to the back of the field for a second time. Rather than becoming frustrated by his series of misfortunes, Berry has been buoyed by the speed in his cars. "The frustration is considerably less compared to last year," Berry said of his lame-duck season at Stewart-Haas Racing. "Being competitive is the biggest thing. That's the hardest thing to figure out is how to be fast and lead these races and get yourself in contention, and we've done that a lot. "It's frustrating to make mistakes and those mistakes fall on me, but all we can do is just continue to put me in that position and keep working on those things and getting better and the finishes will come. We're fortunate to have that win in the bank and, like I said, I'm not very frustrated with how it's been going. "Last week (at Kansas), I think we had a chance at that one if I didn't speed on pit road, so that one stung a little bit more, but all in all, our whole team is doing a great job. Our cars are fast, and we've just got to do the little things a little bit better, and we'll be up there." --Christopher Bell needs more speed on intermediate tracks After winning three straight NASCAR Cup Series races early this season, Bell hasn't fallen off the face of the earth -- but at times it might feel that way to the driver of the No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota. The reason? A lack of optimal performance at intermediate speedways. The finishes may not show the deficiency, because Bell acknowledges that he and his team have been outperforming the potential in the cars. In the three most recent downforce races, Bell ran third at Darlington Raceway, ninth at Texas Motor Speedway and a fast-closing second at Kansas Speedway, but to the driver, those results are somewhat illusory. "Well, I wouldn't say that I'm not surprised that we haven't won (since the three-race streak) because winning is very hard, but I've definitely been surprised about just lacking pace on the intermediate tracks," Bell said. "At the end of last year, we did really well at the intermediates, and (were among) the strongest contenders. "And then the last couple of weeks, week-in and week-out, we just haven't been there yet. Hopefully, we make gains on it. I feel like Kansas was a little bit better than what we had at Texas and Darlington, so if we can make another step like that going into Charlotte, maybe we will be contending for the win, but we are definitely lacking a little bit at this point in time." Charlotte was good to Bell last year. He led 90 laps and won the Coca-Cola 600, which was shortened from 400 laps to 249 because of rain. --North Wilkesboro brings a new experience to modified driver Tim Connolly News of his selection as one of the top 40 drivers in the history of the NASCAR Whelen Modified Tour left Connolly speechless -- a rarity for the popular, garrulous competitor. Connolly was driving from his home in New York to North Wilkesboro Speedway when he got the news. "Pretty big surprise," Connolly said of his selection as one of the first 10 drivers revealed during the 40th anniversary of the series. "A lot of great company out there. It's like race weekend -- it's a tough field. "It's just very flattering, very honored and also humbling." A former star quarterback at Ithaca College, Connolly found his calling in racing. His career blossomed when he landed a ride in the iconic "Mystic Missile," the No. 4 car owned by Robert Garbarino. In 1997, driving Garbarino's car, Connolly claimed four of his nine career victories and finished second in the series standings. Connolly ran three races in 2002 and subsequently left the tour, only to return in 2023 at age 62 with his own car. But Connolly faces a new experience in Sunday's Whelen Modified Tour race at North Wilkesboro. Ryan Newman, not Connolly, will be driving the car. "I miss the seat horribly-I won't lie to you," said Connolly, who is on his third back surgery. "The problem is I keep forgetting I'm 64. I'm not making any promises to anyone about anything right now. I'm going to keep my mouth shut and my options open." Even with a fierce competitor like Newman in his car, Connolly said it will be difficult to spend the race as a spectator. "I want to kick Ryan out and get back in my car," Connolly quipped. "You've got a lot of big names in the show. It's not going to be a lot of fun being on the sidelines, honestly. I'd rather be out there. "This will be my first time, having somebody else drive my car. I don't even let people drive my passenger car. I don't let anyone drive my hauler other than me." By Reid Spencer, NASCAR Wire Service. Special to Field Level Media
Forbes
12-05-2025
- Automotive
- Forbes
Harrison Burton's Lone Cup Win Still Paying Dividends—For Rick Ware Racing
DAYTONA BEACH, FLORIDA - AUGUST 24: Harrison Burton, driver of the #21 DEX Imaging Ford, celebrates ... More in victory lane after winning the NASCAR Cup Series Coke Zero Sugar 400 at Daytona International Speedway on August 24, 2024 in Daytona Beach, Florida. (Photo by) Harrison Burton is making the most out of his one shining moment in the NASCAR Cup Series—or, more accurately, Rick Ware Racing is. Once a rising star with a famous last name and a golden ticket to the big leagues, Burton entered the Cup Series in 2021 and stepped into the storied No. 21 Ford for Wood Brothers Racing in 2022. On paper, it looked like a match made in NASCAR heaven: the young prodigy with a racing pedigree—his father Jeff won 21 times over 22 seasons, and Uncle Ward has a Daytona 500 trophy on the mantle—paired with one of the most iconic teams in the sport. But reality is rarely that neat. By mid-2024, the dream pairing was fraying at the seams. Burton and the Wood Brothers had managed just two top-10s the year before, and the current season wasn't going any better. By race 24, Burton had just one top-10 finish—and plenty of speculation about his future. Then came Daytona in August, and with it, a plot twist straight out of a Hollywood script. On a muggy Florida night, Burton held off Kyle Busch by less than half a second to win the summer race. It was the Wood Brothers' 100th Cup win and Burton's first—an improbable, emotional victory that might've saved his career. Except it didn't. A month earlier, the team had already announced Burton would be replaced by Josh Berry for 2025. One win couldn't undo the math. Burton was out of a Cup ride and dropped back to the Xfinity Series full-time with AM Racing. And to his credit, he's made the most of it—he's already notched a top-5 and six top-10s this year. But now, thanks to that one glorious night in Daytona, Burton is back—if only briefly. The NASCAR All-Star Race at North Wilkesboro Speedway will see a first-time entrant in Rick Ware Racing, the perennial underdog of the Cup garage. RWR has been slogging through the series since 2012, often running at the back, but thanks to Burton's Daytona win, they've got a guaranteed ticket to the big show. 'The All-Star Race is one of those events you grow up dreaming about, so to have a spot on the grid is really special,' Burton said. 'Winning at Daytona last year was a huge moment in my career, and I'm thankful to Rick and the entire RWR team for giving me the opportunity to make that win count by putting me in their car for the All-Star Race.' He'll drive the No. 51 Morton Buildings Ford Mustang Dark Horse, while regular RWR driver Cody Ware—yes, that Cody Ware—is relegated to the undercard. He'll pilot the No. 15 Schluter-Systems Ford Mustang Dark Horse in the All-Star Open, hoping to race his way into the main event. He'll be back in the No. 51 for the next points race, the Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte. 'Being a part of the NASCAR All-Star Race for the first time is a milestone moment for our organization,' said Rick Ware, team owner. 'It's an honor to have a place in the main event, and we're just as proud to provide Harrison the opportunity to compete. He definitely earned his spot and he deserves to be here.' The All-Star festivities go green on Sunday. The 100-lap All-Star Open begins at 5:30 p.m. EDT, followed by the 250-lap main event at 8 p.m. Three drivers will advance from the Open: the top two finishers and the Fan Vote winner. So yes—Burton may have lost his full-time Cup seat, but for one night under the lights at North Wilkesboro, the kid's back in the big leagues. And Rick Ware Racing, usually more known for blue flags than checkered ones, will finally get their moment in NASCAR's spotlight.
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Denny Hamlin wins to end 10-year winless drought at Martinsville Speedway
Denny Hamlin ended a 19-race winless streak at his home-state track, fending off a furious challenge by Joe Gibbs Racing teammate Christopher Bell to win at Martinsville Speedway. Bell finished second by 4.617 seconds, and Bubba Wallace was third as Toyota drivers swept the top three spots. Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson rounded out the top five. Advertisement It was 10 years and a day since Hamlin's previous victory at the 0.526-mile oval in Virginia that is a few hours from where he grew up in the Richmond suburb of Chesterfield. Hamlin leads active NASCAR Cup Series drivers with six victories at Martinsville, but Sunday was his first checkered flag on the 0.526-mile oval in southwest Virginia since March 29, 2015. Hamlin was a frequent contender during his 19-race win drought at Martinsville, posting 10 top fives and leading 226 laps. Denny Hamlin drives into Turn 2 during a NASCAR Cup Series auto race in Martinsville, Va., Sunday, March 30, 2025. (AP Photo/Chuck Burton) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) After a rash of pit problems throughout the first six races this season (documented in this story by NBC Sports' Dustin Long), Josh Berry became the latest victim during the first stage at Martinsville. Advertisement undefinedundefinedundefined Berry's No. 21 Ford was hit in the left rear by Bubba Wallace's No. 23 Toyota while exiting the pits during the race's second caution. Berry's car stalled in Turn 2 and then lost two laps for repairs. It was a tough break for Berry, who led 40 laps by staying on track during the first yellow. He still managed to lead the most laps for Wood Brothers Racing at Martinsville Speedway since NASCAR Hall of Famer David Pearson led 180 laps on April 29, 1973. That was the most recent victory for the team at its hometown track just east of its origins in Stuart, Virginia. Wood Brothers Racing was honored Sunday morning with a proclamation from Virginia's General Assembly, honoring the team's 75th anniversary season. WILL BE UPDATED Stage 1 winner: Joey Logano Stage 2 winner: Denny Hamlin Next: Sunday, April 6, 3 p.m. ET at Darlington Raceway on FS1
Fox Sports
30-03-2025
- Automotive
- Fox Sports
Denny Hamlin ends 10-year win drought at Martinsville Speedway
Associated Press MARTINSVILLE, Va. (AP) — Denny Hamlin ended an agonizing 10-year winless streak at Martinsville Speedway, holding off teammate Christopher Bell in his home state to secure a spot in the NASCAR Cup Series playoffs. The Joe Gibbs Racing star, who was raised a few hours away in the Richmond suburb of Chesterfield, leads active Cup drivers with six victories at Martinsville. But Sunday was his first checkered flag on the 0.526-mile oval in southwest Virginia since March 29, 2015. Hamlin was a frequent contender during his 19-race drought at Martinsville, posting 10 top fives and leading 226 laps. Bell, who leads the Cup Series with three wins this season, was second, followed by Bubba Wallace, Chase Elliott and Kyle Larson. With the 55th victory of his career, Hamlin also snapped a 31-race winless streak since last April at Dover. Special day turns sour After being honored Sunday morning with a Virginia General Assembly proclamation commending Wood Brothers Racing's 75th anniversary, Josh Berry led 40 laps in the team's hometown race before disaster struck. Berry's No. 21 Ford was hit in the left rear by the No. 23 Toyota of Bubba Wallace while exiting the pits, causing Berry's car to stall in Turn 2. Berry, who can withstand a poor finish because his Las Vegas victory qualified him for the playoffs, returned after losing two laps for repairs. He still managed to lead the most laps for Wood Brothers Racing at Martinsville since NASCAR Hall of Famer David Pearson led 180 on April 29, 1973 (the team's most recent victory at the track just east of its museum in Stuart, Virginia). Up next The Cup Series will race next Sunday at historic Darlington Raceway, the South Carolina track that will celebrate a 'throwback weekend' that encourages teams to feature vintage paint schemes and crew uniforms. It's the first of two annual races on the 1.366-mile oval that dates to 1950. Brad Keselowski won last year's throwback race, and Chase Briscoe won the Southern 500 last September. ___ AP auto racing: recommended
